Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1265846
2 0 1 9 - 2 0 P A C - 1 2 Y E A R I N R E V I E W ii P A C - 1 2 C O N F E R E N C E INTRODUCTION: FROM THE COMMISSIONER First and foremost, we at the Pac-12 hope everyone is doing well and keeping safe during such unprecedented times. As I write this introduction, our country is dealing with the immeasurable tragedy of the killing of George Floyd and other Black Americans that has led to a national groundswell of protests to support social justice and fight racism, alongside the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. At the Pac-12, we are in the process of, and committed to, working with our universities, student-athletes, coaches and other members of our community to develop action plans to end racism and discrimination. We are equally committed to prioritizing the health and safety of our student-athletes and our Pac-12 family as we take steps to chart a path to a return to play for our student-athletes. Turning to the year that was unfortunately cut short by COVID-19, I am proud to say that for a 15th- consecutive year, we led all collegiate conferences in NCAA titles again this past season, bringing our leading total of championships to an astounding 529. Of course, this feat occurred with many of our championships and sports seasons ending early due to global concerns surrounding COVID-19. Regardless, the accomplishment continues to reflect our Pac-12 commitment to overall athletic and academic excellence, a commitment that continues to be a source of great pride across our Pac-12 footprint. As the 2019-20 campaign came to an end prematurely in March, we certainly share in our student- athletes, coaches, staff and fans collective desire to know what might have been for several Pac-12 sports, including men's and women's basketball, gymnastics and our women's and Olympics sports. That being said, we cannot help but be amazed at the level of competition and performances of our teams and student-athletes this past year, including NCAA titles for Stanford men's water polo, women's soccer and women's volleyball. In this Year in Review, you'll find a host of information on the performance of our teams in a variety of sports, including those that had their season end early or suspended. Also in this review, you will find information related to our Conference's and universities' efforts off the field with our Pac-12 Student-Athlete Health & Well-Being Initiative, our Pac-12 Team Green efforts and our work with Extra Yard for Teachers. • Focus on Mental Health – Our Pac-12 Student-Athlete Health & Well-Being Initiative continued to focus on the mental health of our student-athletes this past year as evident by the first-ever Student- Athlete Mental Health Summit the Pac-12 held at UCLA's Luskin Conference Center in January 2020, in conjunction with UCLA and the NCAA. Continuing on mental health, our initiative also announced the formation of a Pac-12 Mental Health Coordinating Unit, signaling further and increased focus on this important aspect of the well-being of our student-athletes. • Pac-12 Team Green – Along the same lines off the field, our Pac-12 Team Green efforts continued to evolve. At the third annual Pac-12 Sustainability Conference, hosted by the University of Washington, our Pac-12 Team Green announced the formation of an ambassador program with "Team Green Champions," with founding members including Mary Harvey, Josh Rosen and Bill Walton, among many others. • Extra Yard for Teachers – Culminating at our 2019 Pac-12 Football Championship Game, our collective efforts with "Extra Yard for Teachers," in conjunction with the College Football Playoff Foundation, resulted this past year in the Pac-12 awarding over $36,000 to 12 local teachers across Santa Clara County where our championship game was held. This work was in addition to awards and recognitions all across our Pac-12 footprint with our universities also recognizing local teachers in their communities. To conclude, I would like to once again express my appreciation to our universities, staff, coaches and student-athletes whose collective vision and leadership continues to keep the Pac-12 in the forefront of athletics and academics, and continues to push our communities forward. I also want to express my appreciation and admiration to our Pac-12 council, including our athletic directors, senior woman administrators, faculty athletics representatives and members of our student-athlete advisory committee for their continued dedication to support our athletics programs and student-athletes. Most of all, I want to congratulate all of our student-athletes on another great season on the field, on the court, in the pool and in the classroom. Including to those who had their season end prematurely, all of our student-athletes' dedication to excellence continues to inspire us all. Sincerely, Larry Scott, Pac-12 Commisioner